Creamy Chicken Gloria is a tasty dinner that’s super easy to whip up! It features tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for spooning over rice or pasta.
This dish is great for busy nights. I love how quickly it comes together, and the sauce is so good, it might make you want to lick the plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even a plant-based chicken alternative if you’re vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re trying to cut down on calories, you could substitute half-and-half or use a non-dairy milk with a thickener like cornstarch. However, the flavor might not be as rich with these alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are optional but add color and nutrients to the dish. If you don’t have these on hand, fresh or frozen broccoli or mushrooms can be tasty alternatives.
How Do You Make the Sauce Just Right?
Creating the sauce is crucial for this dish. Start by sautéing the garlic until fragrant; be careful, as it can burn quickly. Next, when adding the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan helps incorporate those delicious browned bits into the sauce.
- Simmer the cream and cheese together gently to avoid curdling.
- If you’re adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, toss them in towards the end so they maintain their texture and color.
- Make sure to taste the sauce before serving, adjusting with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed!
With these tips, I hope you enjoy making Creamy Chicken Gloria for a delightful and comforting meal!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gloria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Chicken Gloria recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, and the creamy sauce will impress everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will give them great flavor as they cook!
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Next, reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Make the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to release all those tasty browned bits. This adds a ton of flavor to your sauce.
5. Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, add them now to the sauce. Cook for another minute or so until the spinach wilts down.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, and spoon some of that luscious sauce over them. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
8. Serve and Garnish
Before serving, garnish your Creamy Chicken Gloria with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. This dish goes wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Gloria
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy during cooking, making them a great alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk with cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before adding the cream. This way, you can customize the dish to your liking!
